Job hunting is brutal, there’s just no other way to put it. Finding a job you want and then actually landing it are two completely different animals. It takes time, commitment and skills to get your foot in the door of your dream job – or just any job in this economy.

The job market is ridiculously competitive, which means all job seekers need to find and use every single little thing possible to make them standout from the rest of the crowd. In the following paragraphs, we will look at a few tips that you need to know as you begin your job hunt. Some of these ideas might be concepts that you’ve heard a million times, but there’s a reason for that.

1. Dress the part

For example, let’s talk about what you wear to an interview. You’ve probably heard the importance of your appearance when trying to get a job since high school, if not before. Most of you would be absolutely shocked at how many people get passed over in interviews just because they didn’t look the part. I’m not advocating wearing a suit and tie to every interview, but there are definitely times where that is the appropriate way to go.

Look at what people are wearing who work in the position that you’re shooting for, and match them, at the very least. I’d even recommend dressing slightly sharper – looking good never hurts, especially when there are a half dozen people equally or more highly qualified as you for this same position.

2. Keep on applying

Don’t apply for just one job, put your name out there and apply for anything that seems even close to being up your alley. We all want the perfect job, but sometimes you just need to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone to find something. Opening up your geographic horizons can also make your job hunt much easier, unless of course, you are not willing to move.

On a similar note, don’t quit with just the application. If you really want that job, follow up with them. Send their HR manager, recruiter, or whoever is responsible for hiring an email. Then, ask if they’ve had a chance to view your application yet and if there is anything else you can do to further your cause. These little gestures can go a long ways for you in your search. If you really want to show your serious, consider making a personable phone call instead of a generic email.

3. Beef up the resume

Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Just sell yourself. If you’re still in school, join as many organizations and internships as possible – just be as active as possible because your degree alone won’t get you quite as far as you might think. If you’re done with school, consider volunteering or getting involved in your community – any activity that you can put on your resume to increase your value helps.

Your resume won’t land you the job per se, but it will get you in the door, after that, it’s all up to you and how well you handle the interview.

4. Be easily reachable

Finally, you need to be contactable, so keep your cellphone or computer handy so you can receive important callbacks and emails while being able to respond in a timely manner. If you don’t have a mobile phone – get one! Even if you’re struggling with bills while being unemployed, there are options for you to land cheap or even free phones provided by the government through the Lifeline Project with enough minutes to get you by.